Saginaw Woman to Stand Trial on Sexual Assault and Kidnapping Charges

Kristie E. Flores, a 31-year-old Saginaw woman, will stand trial for the alleged sexual assault and kidnapping of a young girl who is now 11 years old, it was decided on Thursday following a preliminary hearing. Saginaw County District Judge A.T. Frank found that probable cause was shown by prosecutors to take Flores to trial in Circuit Court.

Flores allegedly sexually assaulted the victim for four years beginning in June of 2009. Prosecutors allege that the defendant was present when the girl was sexually assaulted by men, and that she herself sexually assaulted the victim while restraining her.

The defendant is charged with accosting a child for immoral purposes, extortion, kidnapping, and three counts of first-degree CSC against someone under the age of 13. Flores was arraigned on all of the charges except kidnapping in November; the kidnapping charge was added at the conclusion of the preliminary hearing after the alleged victim testified.

Flores pleaded not guilty to the charges, and remains jailed without bond.

If convicted of the charges against her, Flores likely faces years or even life in prison. First-degree criminal sexual conduct involves penetration and is the most serious charge of all sex offenses, leaving those convicted potentially facing life behind bars. At the very least, Flores may be sentenced to 25 years in prison, the mandatory minimum in situations where the victim is younger than 13 years of age.

Those accused of committing sex crimes often face a lifetime of shame and stigma; obtaining employment may be difficult. For many, the worst punishment of all is being required to register as a sex offender, which limits where the individual may live and work.

If you or someone you know has been accused of sexual assault, it is critical to consult with a highly qualified Michigan sex crime defense attorney. Individuals are often wrongly accused of these types of crimes; even those who are guilty have legal rights and are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A dedicated lawyer will work to limit the damage and protect you from severe criminal penalties.